whodat526
Veteran Member
that looks like the bolts had just got loose over time and the previous owner never checked them the loader and 4wd puts alot of stress on these little tractors
Wolfy
Veteran Member
Let me say first of all that is a very good tractor, now let me say I hope you are the relaxed type: I had a very similiar issue on my Ford 1600, some bolts loosened, two snapped off. It can be fixed but factor in quite a bit of time, you will need to remove the loader and then remove that broken piece to weld it. Take it from someone who has done it, once it is fixed, remove all the bolts (I believe there was 12) throw them out (they will be stretched or weakened) buy the new metric bolts. Then find the torque spec and neverseze them well, use a torque wrench and check them often. My has been fine since, it was maybe 2 years ago, if you have more questions, I will try to help you out.
OP
nsmithnd
Silver Member
The bolts on the broken side are all tight. I removed one so I could use it as insurance on the other side when I unload it (two missing and two broken). That leaves two bolts holding the entire front end on with a tiny bit of support from a weakened loader frame (broken welds). That said, I suppose it was the other side that actually caused the break on this side??
Loader needs to be removed anyway to repair the broken welds. Hopefully I'll get it done by the time the snow flies again. Can't complain one bit though since it was a freebie !!
-Neil
Loader needs to be removed anyway to repair the broken welds. Hopefully I'll get it done by the time the snow flies again. Can't complain one bit though since it was a freebie !!
-Neil
LarryD
Veteran Member
There is no such thing as a FREE tractor, You just got in cheaper than most.:thumbsup:
OP
nsmithnd
Silver Member
Finally got some time to work on it. Worst part about the loader was the worn out pins (one would think they would be easier to get out when worn). Used a come-along tied to the Explorer to tilt it up and out of the way while I rolled the tractor into the garage. Not bad considering I was by myself.
Then on to the hood and battery tray and loader brackets. Used a floor jack under the loader frame and raised it up and put jack-stands on each side (enough so I had the front tires about 1/2" off the ground and the drive-shaft not hitting). Was then able to slide some trim boards under the front tires and unbolt the front axle and leave it where it sat (as well as the radiator). Was VERY luck that the (2) broken bolts had enough stub sticking out that I could get vice-grips on them. I did have to loosen the hydro lines in order to clear one bolt. Once out, I cut and drilled a chunk of (1/2" x 3") flat-bar. Everything is all aligned and ready for the welder. Should be good for another 30 years !!
Then on to the hood and battery tray and loader brackets. Used a floor jack under the loader frame and raised it up and put jack-stands on each side (enough so I had the front tires about 1/2" off the ground and the drive-shaft not hitting). Was then able to slide some trim boards under the front tires and unbolt the front axle and leave it where it sat (as well as the radiator). Was VERY luck that the (2) broken bolts had enough stub sticking out that I could get vice-grips on them. I did have to loosen the hydro lines in order to clear one bolt. Once out, I cut and drilled a chunk of (1/2" x 3") flat-bar. Everything is all aligned and ready for the welder. Should be good for another 30 years !!
Attachments
Wolfy
Veteran Member
Always nice to see one more Ford avoid the scrapyard.
JB4310
Super Member
Great machine for free :thumbsup: There are more 1700's here on TBN than you might think.
Wish mine was 4x4, don't need another loader, but that would make a great little woods machine with 4x4. That's a HD looking front end.
How many hours on it? there are some known issues with the head getting cracks in these little 2 cylinder Shibauras.
Is that part that broke a casting? it's pretty thick. is that why you did the fishplate.
JB.
Wish mine was 4x4, don't need another loader, but that would make a great little woods machine with 4x4. That's a HD looking front end.
How many hours on it? there are some known issues with the head getting cracks in these little 2 cylinder Shibauras.
Is that part that broke a casting? it's pretty thick. is that why you did the fishplate.
JB.
RobertBrown
Veteran Member
Great job! I hope your out of the woods and there are no more surprises.
One of the nice things about that tractor is the fuel consumption. You will be amazed at how little fuel it uses.
Good luck
sweep
Gold Member
Make sure the welder is competant and experienced so the weld has good weld penetration.
Nothing worse than taking it to someone who's experience is comprised of welding an occasional gate or wheelbarrow only to have the weld fail and having to do the repair all over again.
Looks good so far.
